This is one of two photographs, taken in the early twentieth
century, of the buildings opposite Masson Mill (also see
the next
image). This picture shows the three stone built cottages
of Fairview Terrace, next to them is Boston House and then
is the Rutland Arms. Masson Terrace is a little further
along Derby Road and some buildings within the Masson Mill
complex can be seen on the right.
The householder of No 3 Fairview
Terrace is watching the cameraman; he is possibly Albert
Morris[1]. The
Banner outside Boston House, that is fluttering in the
breeze, is advertising Beds | Matlock Bath | Rest | [Unreadable
word] | Teas.
The last owner occupiers of Boston House, or 100 Derby Road,
were the Green family who had run the business for two generations.
Their property was compulsorily purchased so the road could
be widened and they left Matlock Bath in 1971. Paul Green
recalls the Rutland Arms being empty when they left.
The first recorded licensee of the Rutland Arms was Annis
Hill[2] who was
followed almost immediately by Henry
John Tijou[3];
the last was Oswald Whittaker who left the pub when it was
also demolished for road widening.
Adam described the Rutland Arms as "lately built" in
1840[2]. In Mr.
Tijou's time a concert took place at the hostelry and
"the principal performers belonged to his Grace the Duke
of Devonshire's Buxton band[4]".
When, in 1860, the property was advertised to let by Mr Poyser,
the Wirksworth auctioneer, he described it as an old established
and well accustomed Inn and Posting House ... with Stables,
Coach-houses, Outbuildings and Garden. Rent and valuation low.
The Furniture, &c., may be taken at valuation if wished[5]".
Just a year later the Rutland Arms was again advertised for
letting. "Mr
William Pearson, the owner, retiring from the business[6]".
At the same time Mr. Pearson was selling "various lots
on the Turnpike Road ... with views of the River Derwent and
the Willersley Rocks[6]".
There were quite a few landlords of the Rutland Arms
in the years between Messrs. Hill's and Whittaker's occupation
of the premises. Several are listed in transcripts of trade
directories and census returns that are elsewhere
on this website. |
